The Abortion Reform Bill has been approved fully by the Legislative Council.

This morning, MLCs dealt with all of its clauses - including 71 proposed amendments - and then suspended rules so that they could take the third and final reading at the same sitting. At that point, the historic vote to approve wide-reaching change was 8-1 in favour, with only Bishop Peter Eagles voting against.

The bill will still need to go back to the House of Keys for final approval, however.

Witnesses called by Bishop Peter Eagles to support his arguments against aspects of the Abortion Reform Bill began their evidence this morning.

The Bishop, who is also set to table a series of amendments to the Abortion Reform Bill at the clauses stage, warned that unless he could be persuaded otherwise, he would vote against the second reading of the bill.

Statement from Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation (CALM)
August 7, 2017, by LC

The Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation (CALM) is delighted that Dr Alex Allinson MHK's draft Abortion Reform Bill was published today, and that the public consultation is now underway.

Throughout our campaign we have emphasised the need for abortions to be available on the Island, particularly in the earliest stages of pregnancy, to avoid woman having to travel across at their own expense resulting in later, more invasive and more expensive procedures.

CALM is also pleased that the need for counselling has been given special mention in the draft legislation.

Our key message now is: reply to this consultation with your views.

"We know CALM's pro-choice message has been heard loud and clear across the Isle of Man," says CALM's Samantha Morris, "and now is your chance to have your say. Please read the draft Bill and respond to the consultation. It's not very long and it's not very complicated, but it really will help to form a unique piece of legislation written to meet the needs of the Island's women. If you don't respond, then you don't have a voice."